About AMM PDF Print E-mail

    The AMM program is a structured series of directed cognitive exercises and activities designed to treat developing Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. An evidence based, proven therapy adapted from the field of brain injury rehabilitation (neuro-rehab), the AMM program is based on the award- winning work of the late Dr. Mira Ashby, MD, CM. AMM helps to reduce patient anxiety and depression as well as helping the person in coping with disease related changes and life events. Positive changes in these symptoms are associated with improved quality of life for the person, reduced caregiver stress and burden, and a delay in the need for transition to a long term care, memory care, or nursing facility.

    Studies have demonstrated delayed nursing home placement in Alzheimer’s patients who receive treatment interventions. Alzheimer’s Innovation Institute sponsored trials of the AMM program demonstrated improvements in patient cognition which would be expected to delay transition to institutionalized care by up to two years.

    There are significant benefits associated with delaying the need for institutional care. These include:

    • Improved quality of life for patients. Longer continued patient connection to a familiar living environment, as well as community, social, and family access. Maintaining connection with family and familiar surroundings is the most important reason for starting the AMM program. The move to unfamiliar surroundings often results in an increase in symptoms including increasing patient disorientation and confusion.
    • Reduced caregiver stress and burden. A proven relationship exists between increasing caregiver burden and institutional placement. The number one reason given for initiating a move to institutional care is caregiver stress resulting from escalation in non-cognitive symptoms such as personality and behavioral changes.
    • Healthcare costs savings. Proposed cost-containment strategies for the management of Alzheimer’s disease include recommendations for delaying institutional care.